Hungerford A 12th November Match Thread

[Irishadrian]

Its not just us who've  been having a poor run. Hungerford have managed  1 win from their last 14 league games and 2 draws They've  played 18 league games and managed just 11 goals and just 9 league points all season Others have described this as a must win game and I certainly hope thats how it turns out.

[Rebellier]

And please not a repeat of Weymouth 

[GlenSTFC]

17 minutes ago, Irishadrian said:

Its not just us who've  been having a poor run. Hungerford have managed  1 win from their last 14 league games and 2 draws They've  played 18 league games and managed just 11 goals and just 9 league points all season Others have described this as a must win game and I certainly hope thats how it turns out.

Hungerford need the win massively more than us if you look at the league table. So a lot will come down to the willingness to battle and fight for the win. But we’re now 7 games without a win and in real danger of being sucked into a relegation battle.

[Irishadrian]

Wycombe W. have loaned 19yr old Christie Ward to Hungerford  and he will be in tommorrows squad to face us.

[Reading Rebel]

Despite their lowly league position Hungerford have, in the main, been losing by the odd goal.

Their biggest problem has been scoring goals which they have now tried to sort out with the signing of Dan Roberts and a young attacking midfielder from Wycombe Wanderers. 

Losing Guy Hollis is a major blow to us which means we'll have to move players around which cannot help our back line.

Both teams are on a bad run of results so I'm expecting a close game and, leaving mistakes out of the equation, the team that wants it the most and possibly has that little bit of luck will take the points.

Edited November 12, 2022 by Reading Rebel

[Rebellier]

We're definitely in trouble 

[Sir Rebel1965]

2 points from 24 - I wonder what the excuse will be this week - too many tractors in the car park?

[glyn]

 

 

We are in big trouble now  

Ben Harris always injured Sole not getting a look in.

Fresh faces needed easier said than done i know.

 

[Stuntman Mark]

That was a complete shitshow. No fight, no bollocks. I think we all know we are in a relegation dogfight now and I'm not convinced we have the right squad for that. We are far too easy to play against. Defensively poor with players out of position every game, innocuous up front and a midfield (Lee Togwell aside) who can't put their foot in and battle for the badge. I love our managers and am 100% behind them but big changes needed to the team above and below them if we want to stay in this league. Don't like to be negative but that's my honest appraisal of where we are now.  

[GlenSTFC]

Problem is we don’t have the funds to sign quality players so we either continue gambling with young loanees or players from 2 or 3 levels below or we shift out the higher earners. But will the required/targeted players want to sign knowing it’s a likely relegation scrap? 6 defeats and 2 draws is relegation form in any league and we must do something very soon to stop us falling any further.

[Reading Rebel]

Difficult to know where to start after such an abject performance.

The only mitigating circumstance has to be the state of the pitch which was more suitable to a park game on a Sunday morning and definitely not suited to the type of players we have.

Starting with the line up, we again shuffled our back line with Josh Jackman at left back and Scott Davies at right back.

Although Josh can play at left back he is better and more effective in his natural position at right back and I'll say it again Scott Davies is wasted as a right back.

We took the lead after a looping cross from Lee Togwell hit the far post before going in. 

Again we couldn't hold onto a lead with the equalizer coming within 5 minutes with a slip in a central position just outside the area, the ball then being played into our right back position which we failed to deal with.   

The second goal conceded was even poorer with Josh Jackman failing to stop a cross into our box and with Dan Roberts being given acres of space in front of goal planted a free header into the net.

Apart from an effort from Scott Davies that was more of a back pass I don't thing we had another shot on target to worry their keeper.

I know one man doesn't or shouldn't make a team but the loss of Aaron Kuhl from our midfield is looking bigger by the week.

 

 

 

 

Edited November 12, 2022 by Reading Rebel

[Sir Rebel1965]

I had to admire the two commentators today as they tried to remain positive and grasp at any thread of hope as the game slipped away.

There is now a realisation that the tactics are now stale and the squad is limited due to the financial constraints.

Too many players are at risk to recuring injuries due to previous injuries and some of the older players do not have the speed they used to and this means that come the end of games the opposition end up overwhelming us and pick up the points.

No matter how hard the players work there is not a column on the league table for hard work, just results, and that is where we are coming up short.

The teams immediately below us have games in hand and a lot of them are now starting to get their performances sorted, usually at our expense, and they are now working their way up the table.

 Farnborough were below us a couple of weeks ago and are now 15th with two games in hand on us, and picking up good money from a FA cup run; Spencer must be having a good laugh at us and looking forward to our upcoming meeting.

2 points out of 24 is 24th place form.

Time for the board to look at what the long-term strategy is, as if things carry on as they are we will at least be able to save on travel costs at level 7.

[Norbert22]

1 hour ago, Stuntman Mark said:

That was a complete shitshow. No fight, no bollocks. I think we all know we are in a relegation dogfight now and I'm not convinced we have the right squad for that. We are far too easy to play against. Defensively poor with players out of position every game, innocuous up front and a midfield (Lee Togwell aside) who can't put their foot in and battle for the badge. I love our managers and am 100% behind them but big changes needed to the team above and below them if we want to stay in this league. Don't like to be negative but that's my honest appraisal of where we are now.  

Agree with this. Our midfield are very good on paper.but just don't function effectively. 

[SloughFlyer]

Just watched Jon's interview and whilst our managers are always honest, that was one of the most honest and open interviews he/they have given.

The performance today was the biggest concern for me. Results come and go (St Albans being one result we didn't deserve based on the performance) but unfortunately, I make Jon right in that the performance was so poor today that the result was inevitable. It was a team that looked heartless, tired, out of form and low on confidence.

The Noddy Cup on Tuesday is a pain really as even if we play the 5 subs from today still 6 of the team have to play again, leaving them even more tired for next week and a big game in the trophy (financially).

As a club we really need some luck at the moment and to win "dirty" somewhere down the line. I also think the managers need some backing, somehow, to improve the squad. I like most of us are aware the club is massively restricted financially, but I think if we are looking to stay in the Conference South for next season, somehow the club needs to find some money to bring in some fresh talent from somewhere.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Reading Rebel]

19 hours ago, Norbert22 said:

Agree with this. Our midfield are very good on paper.but just don't function effectively. 

I think most supporters would agree that 'on paper' we have some more skillful players than in previous seasons.

Unfortunately the game is not played on paper and it's been mentioned before by some supporters in pre season and since then that we lack some 'steel' in midfield.

Where are the ball winners/leaders when the weathers bad or we play on pitches similar to what we experienced yesterday at Hungerford that are not conducive to playing good football on?

Edited November 13, 2022 by Reading Rebel

[Guest Wycombe Rebel]

20 hours ago, Sir Rebel1965 said:

I had to admire the two commentators today as they tried to remain positive and grasp at any thread of hope as the game slipped away.

There is now a realisation that the tactics are now stale and the squad is limited due to the financial constraints.

Too many players are at risk to recuring injuries due to previous injuries and some of the older players do not have the speed they used to and this means that come the end of games the opposition end up overwhelming us and pick up the points.

No matter how hard the players work there is not a column on the league table for hard work, just results, and that is where we are coming up short.

The teams immediately below us have games in hand and a lot of them are now starting to get their performances sorted, usually at our expense, and they are now working their way up the table.

 Farnborough were below us a couple of weeks ago and are now 15th with two games in hand on us, and picking up good money from a FA cup run; Spencer must be having a good laugh at us and looking forward to our upcoming meeting.

2 points out of 24 is 24th place form.

Time for the board to look at what the long-term strategy is, as if things carry on as they are we will at least be able to save on travel costs at level 7.

The board??? You mean the same board that have had no direction, leadership or dynamism since Steve Easterbrook left?

Don’t look to them for answers!

[Footyfan007]

Since a lot of commentary appeared to be aimed at our midfield and some steel missing got me thinking so asked a footy colleague to look into some stats on a platform that covers player data used by analysts / scouts etc - personally I don't think we have an issue here, we have one of the hardest working midfield and actually score well on 1-1 duels and ball recoveries.  We have 2 midfield players who score very well and are in top 45 on this one - counterpressing recoveries and top 70 on recoveries in final third from national League, north and south stats.

If we look at yesterdays game which clearly was not a pitch to play football on (risky) and also a team on a loosing run so confidence could be low.  Hungerford appeared to play a 3 in cm with one holding (no. 17, who should have been sent of for a clear kickout whilst the ball was out of play) and two 8's verus our 2 in CM.

I dont believe Hungerford had a man of steel in the middle but in a fight 3v2 I know who I would put my money on, with that in mind and how Slough setup the key for me was when the ball was played longer, forward (A ) challenging for the aerial dual or ball into space has to have forward (B) closer and ready to rat and be a nuicance on the second phase ball.  Now switching to Jon's post match comments it relays with what I saw, the Hungerford longer balls stuck to their forwards a lot better and therefore the two 8's where able to get around them to provide an option / assistance, imo this in turn means the keep the ball higher and Slough under pressure, if you watched carefully our 2 CM's had to switch from one to the other to close the ball down when this happened.

As we where unable to make the ball stick higher higher it just kept being returned turning our midfield around to which when we then clear the ball, as I mention above with Forward A and B we are turned over again without the midfield being able to get up and around the two forwards.

When the formation changed we took charge of the game and could have had an equalizer, more football & crosses occured in their final third and the frustration was coming out from the Hungerford players hence the handbag stuff that appeared late in the game as they where then rattled.

That game as RR mentioned came down to who wanted it most and a lot of Slough players lost their battles on the day.

I'm keeping the faith, dont care how ugly the next win is in the league I just hope its soon as the gaffers and lads deserve a rub of the green.

 

 

Edited November 13, 2022 by Footyfan007

[Bernie Gogan]

12 hours ago, Footyfan007 said:

Since a lot of commentary appeared to be aimed at our midfield and some steel missing got me thinking so asked a footy colleague to look into some stats on a platform that covers player data used by analysts / scouts etc - personally I don't think we have an issue here, we have one of the hardest working midfield and actually score well on 1-1 duels and ball recoveries.  We have 2 midfield players who score very well and are in top 45 on this one - counterpressing recoveries and top 70 on recoveries in final third from national League, north and south stats.

If we look at yesterdays game which clearly was not a pitch to play football on (risky) and also a team on a loosing run so confidence could be low.  Hungerford appeared to play a 3 in cm with one holding (no. 17, who should have been sent of for a clear kickout whilst the ball was out of play) and two 8's verus our 2 in CM.

I dont believe Hungerford had a man of steel in the middle but in a fight 3v2 I know who I would put my money on, with that in mind and how Slough setup the key for me was when the ball was played longer, forward (A ) challenging for the aerial dual or ball into space has to have forward (B) closer and ready to rat and be a nuicance on the second phase ball.  Now switching to Jon's post match comments it relays with what I saw, the Hungerford longer balls stuck to their forwards a lot better and therefore the two 8's where able to get around them to provide an option / assistance, imo this in turn means the keep the ball higher and Slough under pressure, if you watched carefully our 2 CM's had to switch from one to the other to close the ball down when this happened.

As we where unable to make the ball stick higher higher it just kept being returned turning our midfield around to which when we then clear the ball, as I mention above with Forward A and B we are turned over again without the midfield being able to get up and around the two forwards.

When the formation changed we took charge of the game and could have had an equalizer, more football & crosses occured in their final third and the frustration was coming out from the Hungerford players hence the handbag stuff that appeared late in the game as they where then rattled.

That game as RR mentioned came down to who wanted it most and a lot of Slough players lost their battles on the day.

I'm keeping the faith, dont care how ugly the next win is in the league I just hope its soon as the gaffers and lads deserve a rub of the green.

 

 

Very well put and pretty much as I saw the game (although I'm certain I wouldn't have identified it as such at the time). Making the ball stick at the front is one of those problems we have had for quite a time, and which has been our undoing on numbers of occasions. Having said that I wasn't expecting anything better for this game given our resources, injuries and suspension. We've also lost 2 centre backs (Pruti and Bird) and not replaced either. 

The Managers have a very tough job in such circumstances and it's not getting better soon if we can't strengthen.

Hungerford is a nice town, a friendly club, but with a poor pitch, playing an unpleasing style of football, against which we never seem to have the answer.

 

[SloughFlyer]

On 13/11/2022 at 16:28, Wycombe Rebel said:

The board??? You mean the same board that have had no direction, leadership or dynamism since Steve Easterbrook left?

Don’t look to them for answers!

I think thats a really harsh and quite frankly unfair comment WR. The board that we have are all volunteers that give up more time for the club than anyone. During a recent game, I went to the toilet at half time and ran into 1 of the board members, who asked me how we were doing as he hadn't had a chance to watch the game.

I have the utmost respect for all of those prepared to give up their time for the club and any critisium towards the way the club functions that I give is tempered by the knowledge that they are all doing something way above and beyond.

Your dismissive attitude (as I have read it and feel free to correct me) I think is bang out of order, unless you are one of those board members who isn't getting the opportunity to contribute due to the others (which you may well be?).

I'm not of the opinion that those who are volunteering are beyond reproach, however, I am very much aware that I don't do that for the club and have to understand these people have other things in life (as we all do) and I am 100% certain they are doing their best and quite possibly we wouldn't havea club without them, as I can't remember the last new board member or "helper" that appeared to make a meaningful contribution.

There is clearly much more as a club we could be doing and I'msure given the money, opportunity, manpower and ability the current board would jump at the chance to do many of those things, but I'm sure they would welcome anyone would wishes to contribute time, money or resources in the attempt to improve the club and those that have the negatve opinions, to coin a phrase, "pick up a gun and stand to post".

If you, or anyone else, can't do that, then at the very least, try and give constructive comments and support where possible.

[SloughFlyer]

On 13/11/2022 at 12:24, Reading Rebel said:

I think most supporters would agree that 'on paper' we have some more skillful players than in previous seasons.

Unfortunately the game is not played on paper and it's been mentioned before by some supporters in pre season and since then that we lack some 'steel' in midfield.

Where are the ball winners/leaders when the weathers bad or we play on pitches similar to what we experienced yesterday at Hungerford that are not conducive to playing good football on?

Funny you say that RR (and others) as I have been crying out for a "bulldozer" type midfielder for quite a few summers now. HOWEVER, I think the Togwell,Kuhl and certainly for the past few games, Hunt (who has improved massively all round this year IMO) have been putting themselves about quite a bit (and from memory did on Saturday as well). We arent the biggest side by any stretch, but I don't see the "lack of steal" being an issue in our side either.

For me, if we are looking at the current issues, it further up the pitch. Our creative players in Lench and Goddard really haven't been producing for us in these types of games as they should be. You only have to look at Scott Davies (2 free kick goals), Josh Jackman (overlapping in the box) and Lee Togwell scoring lobs from 30 yards (generous I know but lets be postive where we can  ) to see the forwards aren't getting the service they need really at all. Many of our goals come from set pieces and unlocking teams does seem to be an issue (along with many others currently).

I think its also worth remembering on the cretive front that Harris and Benyon specifically benefit from balls into the box from wide areas. Most of our wide play normally is generated by Jackman and Wells overlapping and Lench and Goddard cutting inside to give them the room. This isn't as possibly when both players are out of position due to the defensive issues at the moment either so also restricts us. 

All in all the squad and management are in a tough spot currently and probably need a dirty, off a defenders bum own goal to win a game we shouldn't have done to turn things around. We do this week have a good opportunity to forget the league (and the Nuddy Cup but dont get me started on that) and focus on FA trophy and a Hanwell side that, if we can perform as we did against St Albans we will beat them and hopefully that can be used as a spring board for the coming weeks.